A Genocide Brought to Life

LYNCHBURG, Va.-A heavy silence filled the room as students stared at the screen, absorbing the horrific bloodshed and fiery violence on display before them. Smile4Africa presented the showing of "Hotel Rwanda" as a way to help raise awareness of the difficulties Africa has faced and is still facing today. This also acted as a fundraiser for student going on a mission trip to Zimbabwe.

Nearly 100 students gathered at Liberty University's campus in DeMoss 1090 Friday, Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Free admission was given to any person wishing to come to the even, but popcorn and sodas for on sale for 50 cents each to help raise money. The main purpose of the event was to raise awareness in Africa, but also to raise money as they were accepting donations for their cause.

The evening began with Director of International Ministries and World Help, Cyres Mad-Bondo giving an introduction to the movie and the genocide that ended in 1994. He gave some of his own testimonies of time spent in Rwanda while also telling students Africa was in need of people willing to help and make a difference.

Many eyes became misty at the sight of the genocide as the movie progressed. Students were brought to a greater awareness of the difficulties other nations face as compared to luxuries many Americans indulge in today.

"The movie was so powerful and opened my eyes making me realize how good I have it here in America living without fear," sophomore Trudy Mohammed said. "It made me see that it is so important for believers to show Christ's love to the world because there are people hurting, and all they need is someone to love and care for them the way Christ loves us."

All proceeds from the event went toward the Summer 2009 trip to Zimbabwe where four students will be sharing their faith with children and families. Smile4Africa has a base in Zimbabwe where students will be working to help needs such as HIV/AIDs, cholera and building orphanages, according to Tayo Rockson, fundraising and marketing director for Smile4Africa.

Other than donations that were given, the group was also selling T-shirts for $10. Freshmen Amber Turner, Adina Garcia and Denise Cosom all volunteered to help sell the shirts after the event.

"I went on a mission trip to South Africa and have always had an interest in missions. When I got back from my trip I wanted to do whatever I could to become involved and help," sophomore Emily Gardner said.

After the movie came to its conclusion, Rockson ended the evening with an inspirational and passionate challenge for students to make a difference. He encouraged students to take the anger sparked from the movie and use it to go into the world and be the one to help. he prompted them to be imitators of Christ and open their minds to fight atrocities and to be the ones to spark a revolution.

The organization Smile4Africa is in existence to support Africans and help spread the concern to others. Their goal is to share the love of Christ through different means such as education and health care. They hope to provide more employment opportunities to those in Africa so that they may provide for their people on their own. Ultimately their mission is to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ, according to founder and president Albert MaVunga.

"Our goal is to provide for the physical and spiritual needs of the people in Africa. We want to make it a double-header with the spiritual and physical aspects," MaVunga said. "We do not only want to teach them how to fish, but we also want to give them a lake to fish in."